The move comes after the U.S. government under President Trump halted funding for research projects focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and misinformation. French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at the “Choose Europe for Science” event in Paris, said no one could have imagined that a major democracy like the U.S. would cancel research because it included the word ‘diversity’ or restrict visas for scientists.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a new “super grant” scheme to support top scientists long-term. A total of 500 million euros (around 5.6 billion kronor) will be available between 2025 and 2027. This will be in addition to the European Research Council’s existing budget of over 16 billion euros (180 billion kronor).
Von der Leyen also promised a new EU law to protect academic freedom, stating that Europe would not abandon its values even as threats grow globally. She called the U.S. decision to defund certain research “a huge mistake” and reaffirmed that science must remain open and inclusive.
– Science doesn’t care about passports, gender, or politics, she said.
– Diversity is one of our greatest strengths and essential to progress.
Macron added that France would soon reveal further plans to increase its national investment in research. He said Europe must become a safe haven for scientists, and urged those who feel threatened elsewhere to come and work in Europe:
– If you value freedom, come here. Do your research here. Help us grow and invest in our shared future.
In the U.S., more than 380 research projects have been cancelled, including work on fighting censorship in China and Iran, and projects helping Indigenous communities in Alaska. Scientists have protested the cuts, warning that it threatens progress and global cooperation.
Von der Leyen said the EU would also address issues like bureaucracy and barriers to industry collaboration, to make Europe more attractive to researchers worldwide.